What to do when you lose heart

There are certainly times in life when pain and difficult circumstances seem insurmountable and you feel like you’re done. It can be so overwhelming that all you think about is tapping out or throwing in the towel. Attacks of doubt, fear, frustration, anger, regret, judgement, criticism, gossip, and one bad experience after another will cause even the strongest person to lose heart. Looking to the bible is a great way to find strength and wisdom when you have had enough. King Solomon said, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The heart is essential to life. Everything you do flows from your heart. It is much more than a muscle that pumps life giving blood and oxygen through your body (although that is really important)- it is also the source of passion, care, and courage in the face of adversity. I get that protecting yourself from life sucking negativity is no easy task. Science has shown that exercise is critical to restoring the heart after cardiac arrest. It may sound strange, but the principle of exercise will also help to guard your “wellspring of life” and restore a broken heart. It has been said “that the best defense is a good offense.” It is time to go on the offensive! Guarding your heart is not about being passive or just waiting to see what will happen. You gain ground by filling your heart with love, kindness, appreciation, words of encouragement, and forgiveness. The more you exercise these graces the stronger they get. Sharing in them will often protect you from “heart” attacks.